New Haven, CT – Last Friday, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) announced appointments to the Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC), a new body formed to advise DEEP on current and historic environmental injustice, pollution reduction, energy equity, climate change mitigation and resiliency, health disparities, and racial inequity.
One of the 18 appointees is Save the Sound Climate Advocate Alex Rodriguez, who joins the Council with years of experience in grassroots organizing and legislative advocacy. Rodriguez, a resident of West Hartford, previously chaired the Public Participation Subcommittee within the Equity & Environmental Justice Working Group of the Governor’s Council on Climate Change.
“It’s truly an honor to be appointed to this advisory council. I look forward to working alongside fellow advisory members in developing solutions that will bring dignity and justice to BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) communities that have suffered the most from climate change and environmental hazards. I am confident that the feedback conveyed to CEEJAC will reinforce the need for a stronger Global Warming Solutions Act and a stronger Environmental Justice Law to better protect BIPOC communities,” said Rodriguez.
Creation of the CEEJAC is one of 23 actions included in Gov. Ned Lamont’s Executive Order 21-3. The CEEJAC aims to provide mechanisms for state-designated Environmental Justice Communities to have a meaningful opportunity to participate in decisions regarding the expansion or placement of certain types of facilities which, by the nature of their activity, could negatively impact public and environmental health in these communities.
Rodriguez added, “Connecticut residents, your zip code should not determine your health status. Please convey your environmental concerns to this Council, and stay engaged.”
The first meeting of the CEEJAC will take place virtually on June 28 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Members of the public are encouraged to attend by registering here.
###